Voldemort's Revenge

Prologue:

Special thanks to KAYE who told me about the problem with the paragraphs so I could re-upload each chapter. I do have several new HP stories up since this one!-

NOTE: By the way, this prologue has been REALLY revised!! Because of this there are some Order of the Phoenix spoilers! I'm working on revising each of the chapters!! I've only revised the prologue so far, but during the summer I'll be working on doing the first several chapters and more. Also, I REALLY have to work on the sequel to this, The Dark Fortress. It's WAY too slow moving in the first like seven chapters. grins Hehehe…But I promise I'll fix that so the action comes fast!

Author's note: This is a horror/action fic, for those that didn't know. - There's no romance, mainly friendship and some mystery. There may be a few subtle hints somewhere along the way of relationships, but this mainly focuses around what's happening with Harry. Hopefully the new revisions have made it better.

It was Saturday afternoon when Harry Potter was outside in the beautiful warm summer air, lounging around outside of the castle. The end of his sixth year felt different than the previous years. This would be the last day before their finals and then it was summer break. He was looking across at the lake, barely paying attention to Hagrid who was explaining about the next creatures they'd be taking care of, or trying to.

It had been almost two weeks since it happened. Harry was trying to push the memories away, but they kept coming. Visions of Hogwarts students screaming and seeing the horror of what Lord Voldemort could do. That day was the day the Hogwart's sixth and seven years were invited to the Beauxbatons to participate in certain activities, similar to the "field trips" that they went on to Hogsmeade (though they couldn't do that this year since it was too dangerous because of Death Eater attacks). It was a day Harry, Ron and Hermione would never forget…

It had started in early April. Harry woke up as usual in the dormitory to the wonderful breeze that filled the room, touched by a hint of spring that was soon to come. Ron was sleeping above him in the top bunk snoring loudly. Quietly, he rose up out of his bed and poked his head over the side of Ron's bed, seeing his face covered by blankets.

"Ron, wake up," Harry said quietly, shaking his friend lightly.

Ron only snorted and rolled over almost as if he hadn't felt anything at all. Trying several more times Harry got the same response until Ron completely ignored him. After that, it was time for drastic measures. Hoping that he wouldn't be too angry, Harry grabbed his wand from the bureau by his bed and muttered a simple incantation near Ron's ear. The loud sound of a horn was heard only by Ron as he jumped up in bed.

"Ahhhh! What was that? What happened?" Ron screamed, gasping for breath as he looked around in alarm.

At first he thought the whole dorm had woken up, but Neville's snoring was the only sound that they got. Dean moved a few times but fell still a moment after. Ron turned his head and spotted Harry grinning beside his bed and glared, his ears turning red from embarrassment and annoyance.

"Harry! What did you do that for?! I was sleeping you know."

"Shh! Ron, you'll wake the dormitory. And," Harry rose his eyebrows, "you were not sleeping; it was more like you were dead. Besides, Hermione wants us to come down to breakfast early, remember?"

Ron rolled his eyes, "If it's homework I'm going back to sleep."

"I don't think so. She had some news about what's going on with Dumbledore. You know how Dumbledore has been gone a lot because of the meetings with the Order. I think she might know something…from Sirius that is," Harry added quietly.

Ron nodded, looking around to make sure that the rest of the dorm was sleeping. Sirius had kept a pretty good low profile throughout the years, coming occasionally as Padfoot to give and receive information (and food). So far no signs from Voldemort had been noted except the occasional random attacks on homes or places, none of which were near Hogwarts, luckily. But since the year began, Harry had been getting strange feelings, especially when he was with the Order (which had happened only a couple times). They weren't usually allowed at the meeting, but they had gone to Sirius' house yet again that Christmas and found out that Voldemort had gotten the trolls on his side. Harry felt that they weren't being told everything though.

The two of them dressed in silence and headed down to the Great Hall, hoping whatever Hermione was going to tell them wasn't bad news. They spotted her reading the Daily Prophet, as she did often even before all of the attacks, and made their way toward her. It was earlier than the time they usually went down to breakfast so there wasn't that many students awake, giving them enough privacy to talk about even the Order.

"Morning Hermione," Harry greeted, sitting down beside her.

"Morning Harry, Ron," she nodded toward them.

Ron groaned, "Please don't tell me the Daily Prophet has anymore tragic news."

Hermione shook her head, "No, don't worry. It seems as though for the past week the Death Eaters have been laying low. They might be afraid of getting caught."

"I guess that's good news," Harry said, scooping eggs and toast onto his plate.

"Well…there is something else I should tell you guys," Hermione said, lowering her voice.

"I knew it," Ron muttered, shoving food into his mouth.

"It's about the Order," she said quietly, looking around to make sure none of the other students were listening. "Have you heard from Sirius recently?"

Harry shook his head, "Not since Christmas. Why, is he in danger?"

"Oh no, nothing like that. It's just that the Order is concerned that you-know-who…," she trailed off seeing the look on Harry's face, "right, er v-v-Voldemort doesn't seem to be doing anything. They think he's planning something big, like waiting for some big event to come up."

"Or maybe he doesn't have everything he needs," Harry suggested.

Hermione nodded, "Either way, Dumbledore's concerned. He's angry that Fudge is still not doing anything about it, even though he announced to the world about v-Voldemort's return."

"Fudge is just trying to protect himself," Harry said darkly. "He's only waiting for a chance to escape into hiding to leave all of us to fend for ourselves."

"Bloody hell," Ron muttered. "How'd we end up with such a git?"

"Perhaps just because the Minister position is in his bloodline," Hermione said. "You know, I still think your dad should try for the Ministry position next election, Ron."

"So does mum, but dad doesn't think he stands a chance against Fudge, since everyone seems to think he does something."

Hermione sighed, "Well anyway, all I know is that there's going to be another Order meeting tonight at Sirius'."

"Can we come?" Harry asked anxiously.

He hadn't seen Sirius for several months and he missed the feeling of security that he felt when around him. Although they didn't spend a lot of time together, the quality time that they did made Harry wish Sirius' name had been cleared so he could stay with him instead of having to return to the Dursleys. That was his main wish and he vowed that if he saw Wormtail he would make sure the rat would be at least seen by the Ministry so they could clear his Godfather's name. Speaking of Wormtail made Harry's stomach quiver. He was an absolutely despicable person and yet he had somehow managed to stay as Voldemort's right-hand Death Eater. Harry didn't understand what Voldemort could possibly need with him, but he decided not to think too much on him.

"Unfortunately, I don't think so," Hermione said, her eyes dimming. "Dumbledore left no message about a portkey so I'm guessing that it's an Order-only meeting. I'm sure Sirius is just as disappointed as you are, Harry," she said patting his arm in attempt to make him feel better.

Despite her attempt, Harry still felt the pang of disappointment at not getting a chance to talk with Sirius privately. Many times he had asked Sirius what his parents were like, namely his father to see if Snape's accusations had been true. After being caught looking in Snape's pensive, Harry wasn't so sure his father and he were as alike as many thought. Although his father was a wonderful Quidditch player, popular and had many girlfriends, and did fairly well in school, there were some things that Harry wanted answered, like why his father picked on Snape so much. Had he given Snape no trouble and not humiliated him every chance he got, Snape might've not turned out to be such a crummy person to be around. Or at least, Harry wondered if that was the case.

Seeing as how Harry and Ron had become silent, Hermione cleared her throat, flashing them a small smile.

"There is some more good news. Sixth and seventh year students get to go on a trip to the private Beauxbatons school," Hermione stated, clearly excited. "We're leaving tonight to get there by morning."

Ron rose his eyebrows, "And why would this excite us?"

Hermione sighed exasperated, "Honestly, Ron! Don't you ever like to get out? There's going to be many fun activities there. The real purpose of the activities is to help the Beauxbatons study for their finals. There's tests of wit, spells, curses and charms, advanced courses like potions, Arithmancy and Defense Against the Dark Arts and much more! Dumbledore thought since he hasn't been around much that it would be a nice fun way for us to study for our finals by participating in these activities."

"Honestly, Hermione! Is your head ever out of books?" Ron mimicked, causing a glare in return.

"I think it's better than cramming the night before," her eyes flashed toward them, "or studying by yourself for months ahead. Besides, we'll get to meet new students and challenge them. Besides," she hesitated, as if not really wanting to say it, "there are flying contests too."

Ron and Harry's faces lit up at the mention of it, exchanging excited looks.

"Did you hear that, Harry? We get a chance to prove to those Beauxbatons that we have the best Quidditch players!" Ron exclaimed.

Harry nodded, smiling brightly, "That sounds a lot better than facing Malfoy. At least the Beauxbatons play fair."

Hermione rolled her eyes, going back to reading the Daily Prophet as they launched into a conversation about what tactics to use. Breakfast seemed a little more exciting after that, but the feeling in the pit of Harry's stomach still didn't go away. After the news about the sixth and seven years going to the Beauxbatons got around, everyone began talking about it. Some were excited, some were curious and others, like Malfoy and his goons, were talking as if they were going to make history at the private school. Even throughout classes, students couldn't concentrate with the thought of finally getting out and doing something different. Quidditch practices had been canceled a week after Christmas break because of the concern that there might be attacks.

Dinner came around and students were all ready packed or getting packed just to leave for the weekend. They were being escorted by Professor McGonagall and several members from the Order, including Mad-Eye moody. Harry realized, as they were exiting the doors that they'd be riding in the carriages that he had experienced, driven by the invisible beings (that only Harry, Luna and others who had experienced a death) could see. Harry was able to get in a carriage with a couple Hufflepuffs, one Ravenclaw and Ron. Hermione had gotten separated from them and had ended up with Luna and Ginny with some other students.

The carriages rolled on a descent pace, heading toward the destination. Harry and Ron talked endlessly about Quidditch and what they'd do once they were able to play it again. So far Ravenclaw was ahead with Slytherin next. If they defeated Ravenclaw they'd be tied with Slytherin, which wasn't unusual since the year usually ended with a Quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor.

Or at least that's how it had been through their third year. In their fourth year there was the Triwizard Tournament, which Harry didn't want to think about…ever. And fifth year had just been a mess between the houses. They were hoping to take home the Hogwarts Cup, which was the large golden trophy awarded at graduation, at the end of seventh year, to whichever House won the final match.

As they were talking the carriage suddenly stopped, nearly sending Ron flying forward. Luckily Harry caught him before he could fall. The girls in the carriage with them were huddled together, looking frightened.

"Wonder why we've stopped," Ron said. "Do you think something's wrong?"

"Not sure," Harry said, peering out of the window. "Hold on I think I see something."

All the carriages had stopped and students were poking their heads out in order to see what the hold up was. Harry knew they were only half way there and wondered what was wrong. His eyes caught sight of something up in the darkening sky. It looked like smoke from a fire. Watching intently, he saw Mad-Eye Moody and several others get out of the carriage in front, motioning for Professor McGonagall to stay put while they checked it out.

"I think something's wrong," Harry said to Ron, not noticing the girls listening expectantly. "I think I see smoke in the air."

"Well I guess all we can do is wait," Ron said, leaning back in his seat. "Do they serve any food?"

Harry just shrugged and peered out the window again, waiting for some sign as to what was going on. He was beginning to feel uncertain, looking around at the tall dark trees nearby and the sky that was slowly turning into night. All ready the sun had almost set, leaving only a dark orange hue to light their way. The girls in the carriage were getting restless and Harry noticed them unconsciously move closer to him and Ron, probably hoping if anything fatal happened they'd sacrifice themselves.

By the dwindling light from the sky, Harry was guessing it had been about twenty minutes since they'd been waiting. He was sure the other students were getting restless as well. Feeling his agitation grow, Harry reached for the door handle on the carriage.

"Harry, what are you doing?" Ron asked, staring at him bewildered.

"I was just going to go talk to Professor McGonagall and see what's going on," he said.

"You shouldn't do that! It might not be safe!" Hannah, one of the Hufflepuffs, cried, grabbing a hold of Harry's arm.

Harry had the feeling she just didn't want him to leave, but he nodded reluctantly and sat back in his seat. Even Ron seemed relieved that he wasn't about to venture into the unknown. They were far from Hogwarts now in territory they knew very little to nothing about and there was a chance that it wasn't safe, and not just because of Death Eaters.

Harry sighed again and leaned heavily against the window, peering out hoping to crave his curiosity by staring at the scenery. His head rose as he squinted his eyes. A figure was moving in the dark; he was sure of it. The hairs on the back of his neck rose as he watched as the figure began coming closer.

Is it coming our way?

"Harry, what's wrong?" Ron asked, noticing his stiffened form.

"Er…," Harry couldn't find the right words to say that wouldn't cause the girls to panic.

He opened his mouth to try and tell them something, or at least hint to Ron that something wasn't right, but the door to their carriage was suddenly wrenched open causing Ron to cry out and stumble backward into the carriage as the girls screamed and huddled together. A head of bushy hair appeared before a breathless Hermione was illuminated by the light from the front of the carriages that had recently appeared.

"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed wide-eyed, his ears burning red. "You could've scared us to death!"

She just ignored him for the time being and instead turned to Harry, "I overheard Professor McGonagall speaking with Moody. They saw fire."

Harry nodded, "Yeah, I saw smoke in the sky too."

Hermione shook her head, "Harry, this is bad," she said, now moving her eyes over Ron and the girls. "Can you two step outside please?"

Ron nodded along with Harry and left the girls to step a short distance from the line of carriages. Hermione took another deep breath, making sure they were far enough away.

"What is it?" Harry asked quietly.

"Are we lost?" Ron asked, looking worried.

Hermione shook her head, "No, they think there's been a Death Eater attack on a village nearby. That's where the smoke was coming from. They said the village was torn to bits and no bodies or living people were found."

"But…there's been lots of those recently, right?" Harry asked, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Not like this Harry," she said slowly. "The fire was still burning, which means that they did this recently, which means…"

"They're nearby," Harry finished in a whisper.

"Oh bloody hell, why us?" Ron complained, his face slightly paler than before.

"The teachers are too afraid to keep moving in case we're attacked by Death Eaters," Hermione continued, biting her lip in fear.

"But we can't just stay in one place!" Harry exclaimed. "The faster we get to the Beauxbatons the faster we reach safety!"

"I know, Harry, but…"

Hermione was cut off as Harry dashed away toward the front of the line. Ron and Hermione followed as quickly as they could, but couldn't reach him before he found Professor McGonagall. She was with the rest of the members discussing something and immediately reacted when she saw him.

"Potter, what are you doing?! You should be back in your carriage," she scolded.

"Professor, please! We can't just sit here! It'll be easier for them to find and surround us," Harry pleaded.

Professor McGonagall looked surprised, "How do you…?

"Potter, please!" one of the Order members said. "We're taking care of things. We're owling Dumbledore to see if he can send some Ministry members to us."

"That'll take too long!" Harry exclaimed, raising his voice.

"We're handling— "

"Let the boy speak for boggart's sake!" a gruff voice interrupted.

Out of the midst of the shadows, Mad-Eye Moody appeared followed by the last two members of the Order. Most of the Order members there Harry hadn't been properly introduced to, being since they joined after the previous year when the word of Voldemort's return got out. The ones he did know like Tonks, Shacklebolt, and others were still with Dumbledore, wherever he was. Most likely he was in some secret meeting planning for when Voldemort decided to attack.

Mad-Eye Moody turned to him, keeping his magical eye hooked on the others to make sure they kept silent.

"Now, Potter, what were saying?"

"Er, I was saying that if Death Eaters have attacked recently then that means Voldemort is nearby. There's no doubt he'd surround and threaten to kill us all in order to scare Dumbledore, since he knows Dumbledore is planning something against him."

"There, you see! Very logical reasoning!" Moody shouted to the others before turning and nodding to Harry.

"So what do either of you suggest we do?" A woman auror asked.

She was the youngest auror Harry had ever seen but appeared wise beyond her years. He heard she had helped in the capture of a number of the Death Eaters recently and managed to help seal up Azkaban so those captured couldn't be helped out by Dementors or others working for Voldemort. He couldn't remember her name though.

They all appeared to have turned to Harry for the answer and he shifted nervously under their gaze.

"Er, I suppose we could use an invisibility charm over us," Harry suggested, thinking of the first thing that popped into his mind, which was his invisibility cloak.

"Good idea, Potter," Moody said gruffy, clapping his hand a little too roughly on his shoulder.

"Wait, look!" Professor McGonagall pointed upward. "The owl has returned. That means Dumbledore got our message."

The owl landed softly on her outstretched arm and she took the parchment tied to its leg. Her eyes scanned the message silently, her eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"Well?" one auror asked impatiently.

"It says to head through a certain path in the forest that will be undetected."

"Well, what are we waiting for, let's go!" Kingsley exclaimed.

"Hold on, there's more," she said, using her teacher-like tone. "It also states that Potter should be put in the front carriage for his safety," she finished, glancing down at Harry.

Kingsley sighed heavily, "Of course it had to be the carriage I was in."

"All right, Potter, move to it! We've got to leave now!" McGonagall said in a hurry, shoving him toward the front.

"Hold on, can I take Ron and Hermione with me?" he asked, not wanting to be upfront all by himself. He was getting sick of them doing everything to protect him but not anyone else. Mainly he was worried that the other students would be in danger.

"I suppose that wouldn't hurt," she answered. "Get them and then get in the carriage. We've got to leave now before our presence is noticed."

Harry nodded and immediately rushed back to where Ron and Hermione were standing arguing with each other.

"…honestly, Ron! Do you only care for yourself?! We've got to get all the students out safely you know!" Hermione exclaimed with her hands on her hips.

"I know that, Hermione! And don't call me selfish! If you even paid a little attention to what I'm going through instead of concentrating on your books and studies, maybe you'd understand!"

"Understand what?! Everyone's afraid, Ron, not just you. This is a time of war! We've got to stick together."

Ron opened his mouth, but Harry made sure to interrupt before any more comments could be thrown between them.

"Guys, come on. We've got to move up front. Dumbledore's orders," Harry said quickly.

The two glanced at each other but nodded and followed behind him. They reached the front and entered into the first carriage while Moody muttered an invisibility charm to make all the carriages invisible. Professor McGonagall was going to each carriage telling them to be silent because they were crossing through dangerous territory, and threatened an instant dismiss from the final Quidditch game and a hundred points off that house if anyone talked. That even got all the Slytherins to keep quiet.

Harry, Ron and Hermione got into the first carriage, feeling much better now that they were invisible and hopefully on a safe path toward Dumbledore. He felt his insides quiver, but calmed himself down. The carriages began again, moving them along towards the path that was supposedly the safest. Harry only hoped their presence hadn't alerted anyone all ready.

The carriage rolled on for a while and Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting in a tense silence. They were too afraid to utter a word, or a smile even. They knew what the risk was, and Harry was determined not to let Voldemort win. He had all ready been getting more and more supporters recently after fifth year. It was only luck and Hagrid that the Giants were helping them against Voldemort. The Order was becoming stronger and stronger as well, having spies against the growing number of Death Eaters. Harry was almost certain Snape was a spy, which partly explained why Snape was always being so mercilessly mean to Harry and giving him extra homework (since it was assumed by the rest of the school, since Malfoy had bragged, that Harry Potter was taking a "special" Potions class). It was to get even with the fact that Snape was forced to protect him and if any sign of danger came, Harry would have to be escorted to a safe place.

The idea of Snape protecting him didn't thrill him, but he had no doubt Sirius was even more furious. Ever since the Order meeting at Sirius' old house the second time, he had taken an almost permanent form as a dog whenever outside of the house. Luckily most of the Death Eaters found in the Ministry building the previous year were taken to Azkaban, including Lucius Malfoy who was the only Death Eater who knew about Sirius' Animagus form. So Sirius was able to help the Ministry and the Order with spying on the Death Eaters to track Voldemort's next move.

Harry sighed heavily and slumped back in his seat. He had only seen Sirius once then at Christmas. After that, he had been unable to change into his human form, licking Harry's hand instead for a greeting. He wanted to spend more time with his Godfather, since Sirius was the only one Harry truly opened up to. He remembered the time during the Triwizard tournament in his fourth year when he had unconsciously blurted out everything he was feeling to Sirius when he only meant to say "I'm fine."

And now we won't be able to go to the Order meeting that's going on right now. I'm sure it was partly because Mrs. Weasley doesn't want us involved.

Harry's eyes dimmed as he recalled the previous year when they had been at the dinner table and Mrs. Weasley had wanted to shield them from what was really going on. She hadn't wanted them to hear anything about the Order or about Voldemort but Harry had guiltily said he wanted to know as much as possible and then agreed with Ron that he would tell him and Hermione anyway. Ginny was the only one sent upstairs, but she had heard everything from Fred and George, and a little from Ron when he blurted several things out during breakfast over the summer at the Burrow, in which Mrs. Weasley nearly burned the food.

She didn't understand that it was more dangerous not to be prepared. If anything serious ever did happen they wouldn't be able to handle it, which was the reason why Harry was secretly continuing the Dumbledore's Army training sessions. He had taught Hermione how to perform the Patronus Charm all ready. She was much faster at learning than Ron, but he had gotten a small puff of mist and was getting better. More students had joined the group, and the others (minus the girl who had told on them the previous year) were still in it.

"Do you guys hear that?" Hermione suddenly spoke up.

"Hermione!" Ron hissed quietly. "We're not supposed to talk. You-Know-Who or his Death Eaters could be outside."

Harry ignored Ron's insistent plea and faced Hermione, "What do you mean? I don't hear anything."

"Exactly!" she exclaimed, her voice dropping in pitch. "I don't hear the other carriages."

Ron blinked at her confused, "What? That's impossible. We haven't stopped, see? We're still moving."

Harry ignored the fact that a fight was about to start and instead turned around in his seat to face the back. He moved the curtain that was behind them inside that blocked the small window facing outward in order to take a peek.

"I don't see anything," Harry said.

Hermione sighed exasperated, "That's because we're all invisible! But I don't hear them anymore!"

Ron made a sound, clearing his throat as if he had meant it, "So, do you think we're lost?"

"Maybe we got separated from the rest of them," Hermione spoke up softly, her eyes alight with worry.

Harry moved in front and pulled on the reigns floating nearby. The carriage abruptly came to a stop and he strained to listen, silencing Ron with a look before he could speak. The sound, a sound so subtle it hadn't been heard from the noise of the carriage. Sounds of neighing and screaming were in the distance, explosions now and then. Harry, Ron and Hermione exchanged looks and two words came to their minds.

"Death Eaters!"

"Oh no, the students!" Hermione exclaimed.

Harry opened the carriage and jumped out, followed by Ron and Hermione.

"Harry, what are you doing!" Ron said.

"We've got to help them," Harry stated firmly. "You guys go help fend off the Death Eaters I'm going to try and hit them from behind."

"Wait…us?" Ron squeaked. "Harry!" he exclaimed as Harry began in another direction.

"You'll be fine! Just help McGonagall and the other teachers keep the students safe. Remember what I taught you!"

Hermione nodded firmly, gripping Ron's arm, "Right, Harry."

Without another word she dragged Ron with her. Harry watched for a moment before disappearing into the bushes, heading from the other way toward the sounds. He took out his wand and muttered "Apearo invisibility cloak!" In a split second his invisibility cloak appeared in his hands and he wrapped it around himself, making sure to keep quiet. As he made his way toward the sounds, he could hear rustling nearby. He held his breath as footsteps came closer and closer until figures were visible in the woods.

"We've got them surrounded," one whispered.

Harry recognized the voice as Macnair's, one of Voldemort's Death Eaters.

A squeak was heard in reply and Harry's eyes instantly narrowed. Wormtail.

"You both know the plan. We get the boy and then kill the rest of them," Macnair explained.

Harry followed behind them at a distance, keeping as silent as possible. The one in the back was looking around madly as if something were to attack him any minute. Harry was certain it was Wormtail. His veins were flowing with determination, his hatred boiling. He followed them to where the path ended and the trees hid them from view. But beyond the trees in the clearing, Harry could make out where the carriages stood, having been ambushed. Death Eaters were throwing curses and each time it hit the invisible carriage more screams were released. Professor McGonagall and Mad-Eye Moody and the others were visible, trying to keep the students inside while they fought back.

So even with the invisibility charm they found them! The invisible horses must've run off and that's why the carriages are stuck.

Harry saw a Death Eater approaching the carriage in the far back and heard the screams of girls. He tensed and snuck around to get a better view. He muttered "wingardium leviosa!" and the Death Eater, stunned, was suddenly raised in the air. Harry pointed his wand away and the Death Eater was flung into the trees. Suddenly, Ron and Hermione came into view running toward Professor McGonagall. Hermione wheeled around and shot at a Death Eater with her wand before he could take advantage of Professor McGonagall's surprise at seeing them out of the carriages. Harry's anger boiled and not just from the Death Eaters. Apparently, Dumbledore must've known they'd be attacked, which was why Harry was in a safe carriage.

But if I hadn't been it would've been worse. I wouldn't be here right now to help them and they'd all be dead anyway.

Harry visibly relaxed and prepared to use the training Dumbledore had been putting him through. He ran through the bushes, firing curses at the Death Eaters that were crawling out of the bushes to raid the carriages for Harry Potter. He was so busy throwing curses he didn't look where he was going and suddenly rammed into something hard. He was thrown backward and his invisibility cloak slipped off of him.

"Well, well, isn't this a surprise."

Harry looked up into a sneering face of a Death Eater he didn't recognize. Before the man could blink Harry's wand was in his face.

"Expelliarmus!"

The man's wand flew right out of his hand to Harry's, who stood and pointed both wands at him. The Death Eater growled in anger and prepared to shout, but Harry was faster. He silenced him with a silencing charm (luckily they had had a test on that in Flitwick's class just the other day) and he knocked him out with "stuprey!" The Death Eater slumped down unconscious and Harry made his way again.

When he peeked out of the bushes he nearly fell over from shock. Students had gotten out of the carriages and were fighting back, even Neville. Most of them were the students Harry had been helping in the D.A. club. He smiled softly, admiring the way Ron and Hermione threw curses left and right like there was no tomorrow. It was keeping the shocked Death Eaters at bay. Harry knew the plan was to send up the sign of the Order to scare them away and the only way to do that was to distract the Death Eaters so it could be performed by one of the Order members, since Harry couldn't do it yet. It was much too powerful. Harry took off his invisibility cloak, using the spell to make it disappear again, and ran out in the open away from the carriages.

He saw one of the Death Eaters spot him and point.

"It's Harry Potter!" he shouted.

He saw several Death Eaters turn toward him but he kept his distance from the carriages.

"Potter, what are you doing?!" McGonagall shouted, while continuing to throw curses.

"Use the sign!" Harry shouted, suddenly running into the bushes.

He heard footsteps behind him and knew the Death Eaters were following him, but he also knew that in order to save his friends (and teachers) he'd have to get them far away from the carriages. He ran and ran, looking back behind him to make sure they weren't too close.

"OOF!" Harry exclaimed as he crashed into something and toppled backward.

Harry shook his head and looked up seeing a grinning Macnair staring down at him.

"Harry Potter," he sneered.

Harry reached for his wand, but heard other footsteps approaching. He turned and saw at least ten Death Eaters coming into view. He was surrounded, and he knew there was no way out.

"Now, Potter, what are you going to do? Run to your precious Dumbledore," a Death Eater scoffed. "Oh, but wait, that's right. He's not here."

"Enough!" Macnair snapped. "Master wants him alive. Let's just take him now. And kill the rest," he added while his sneer widened toward Harry.

Harry pointed his wand at a Death Eater nearby, who whimpered in response. The Death Eaters burst into laughter.

"Wormtail, shut up! There's nothing he can do. He's helpless without Dumbledore," Macnair said, pulling out his own wand. "Cooperate, Potter, or you'll find yourself on the ground screaming for mercy."

Harry just glared at him, but didn't move. The other Death Eaters around him were sniggering. Wormtail was whimpering again, but more subtly. Suddenly a blast came out of no where and lit up the sky. Wormtail jumped back, frightened while the other Death Eaters pointed their wands around them.

"It's the Order!" one Death Eater shouted.

Up in the sky the symbol of a phoenix shone brightly and Harry smiled at it. He suddenly felt a rough hand upon his shoulder and wheeled around to see Macnair glaring at him.

"Not this time, Potter!" he spat. "Master has had enough with you foiling his plans. You're coming with us!"

Using his training, Harry wormed out of his grasp and shouted a spell. Rope came out of no where and wound tightly around Macnair. The other Death Eaters gave shouts of fury, but Harry had all ready dashed off. He was grabbed again, but this time whorled around to see Peter Pettigrew wheezing in his face.

"Come….now, Potter," he tried to sound angry.

Harry smacked his hand away and glared venomously at him, "Make me!" he hissed in pareseltongue.

Wormtail stumbled backward but kept his wand pointed directly at Harry's heart.

"Y-you can't win this time, Potter."

"Oh give it up, Wormtail!" Harry spat back, pulling out his own wand. "I don't know why Voldemort even has you around still."

"B-because he needs me! And you'd do b-best to remember that," he wheezed, glaring at Harry, his watery eyes trying to focus on him but darting around now and then, most likely hoping for back-up.

"AHHH!"

Harry jumped when he heard the screams, wheeling around just in time to see a Death Eater get surround in bright light before he fell over unconscious. Dumbledore had arrived. He heard a whimper behind him but when he turned Wormtail was running off.

Oh no you don't!

Harry angrily followed suit, keeping up with his pace. As long as he followed at a close distance Peter wouldn't dare try and transform into a rat. Harry chased him until they reached a dead end in which the path ended and the trees were too thick to pass through. Wormtail wheeled around, wheezing horribly as he searched for a way out. Harry kept his wand pointed at him, panting for breath but surprisingly keeping his expression calm.

"Y-you don't want to do this, Harry. What would your parents think?"

"Shove it!" Harry snapped, instantly making him jump. "My parents would be proud to get rid of a rat like you!"

Wormtail's eyes suddenly widened, "Y-you w-wouldn't!" he stuttered.

Harry's eyes narrowed, "Don't test me. It'd be better for everyone including Voldemort if you were put right where you belong. You're only in it for yourself! Even if it means betraying my parents, betraying who you are, even betraying Voldemort just to live! You're despicable!" Harry hissed, not realizing he was stepping closer to the whimpering man, who was cowering backward.

"P-please Harry, I b-beg you," he said, getting on his knees and looking pleadingly at him.

"I saved you once before, and I've regretted it ever since!" Harry snapped heatedly. "I spared your life and you go running straight back to Voldemort and help him return to his body! Now he's growing stronger by the day and it's all because of you! No, Peter," Harry said, lowering his voice threateningly, "I will not let you do this again. I will not let more and more people die because of your selfish acts."

He heard something behind him and turned his head, unfortunately giving Wormtail time to run forward and snatch his wand straight out of his hand. Harry stared at him in shock and disgust as Wormtail shakily pointed his own wand at him.

"Well, now what P-potter?" Wormtail said, smiling toothily while sweat trickled down the side of his face.

Harry glared at him, "That was cowardly."

"M-master won't care. All he wants is you dead, b-but he wants to do it himself," Wormtail said. "T-then he's going to get more followers until even the Giants side with him against the Order. And everyone will die. Dumbledore, the Order, the Ministry, Sirius…"

"DON'T YOU EVER THREATEN MY GODFATHER!" Harry suddenly roared, stepping closer and clenching his fists in anger. "It's all because of you that Sirius was stuck in a bloody prison when all he wanted to do was protect the lives of his friends! My dad should've never taken pity on you and let you hang with them! You're a dirty, good-for-nothing…"

Harry didn't get the chance to finish his insult when he suddenly found himself gagged. Wormtail had summoned something to shove in his mouth. Just as he spit it out, he found rope binding around him. Wormtail glared at him but was stepping closer as if he were the strongest man alive for doing that.

"You're a fool, Potter…just like your parents were. They took me in because they pitied me! But I didn't want pity. They weren't real friends at all. The only reason your father ever wanted me around was so he could show off how much he had! He was a show-off, Harry, that's all your father was," Peter spoke bitterly.

"LIAR!" Harry shouted angrily, clenching his fists because he couldn't move.

"And now you're going to get what you deserve!" Wormtail finished, pointing Harry's wand shakily at him. "You're going to die and I'm going to become one of the m-most important Death Eaters! No more James Potter to compare myself to! And no more Harry Potter!" he spat.

Just as Harry was about to give it his all, Wormtail's eyes suddenly bugged out until he squeaked and sprawled flat on the ground. The binds around him loosened and Harry turned to see someone stepping out of the shadows.

"Dumbledore!" Harry exclaimed, relief flooding through him at seeing his mentor.

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes tired but wise, "Yes, Harry. I see you've found Mr. Pettigrew. I thought you'd go looking for him."

"We can't let him get away!" Harry said. "Sirius needs to be set free from his charges!"

"And so he shall," Dumbledore smiled, the twinkle in his eyes coming back as Harry remembered it. "I'll take care of him, Harry, you just go back to the carriage. I believe it's time to go to the Beauxbatons."

Harry hesitated, "What about Voldemort? Was he caught?"

Dumbledore's expression grew grim, "I'm afraid not, Harry, and he won't be too happy about losing many of his best Death Eaters. The Giants, as you know, are helping us and some will guard Azkaban, since Dementors are less trustworthy. Voldemort will not be quick to attack again, he will need more time to develop another plan. Until then," Dumbledore's voice took on a more cheerful tone, "You'd better get in the carriage otherwise you'll be late to the Beauxbatons' school."

Harry nodded, picking up his wand from the grass and with one last look at the unconscious man, he took off to where the carriages stood. As he ran, his hopes were suddenly soaring. There was a chance that Sirius would be free, which meant Harry would have his Godfather looking after him, someone who cared about him, someone who would let him do magic and fly his broom whenever he wanted. And Harry would never have to step foot in the muggle world again…

XXXXXXX

Harry's memory was interrupted when he heard someone approach him. He turned and saw Hermione smiling down at him.

"Aren't you going to help us take care of these Billwigs! Ron got stung a couple times," she said with amusement.

Harry glanced over at his friend who was giggling and what looked like levitating off the ground at least a couple feet in the air while holding a very small, blue creature no bigger than an inch long. Harry's eyebrows rose to his hairline and Hermione smiled, folding her arms casually.

"If you wanted to know, a Billywig is a magical insect from the Australian region and its stinger, which is often used in several different potions, can make a person laugh uncontrollably and even levitate," she grinned.

"Thanks Hermione, I'll remember that," Harry smiled back.

Hermione nodded, turning around and seeing as how Hagrid was busy helping some Hufflepuff girls have the courage to hold one, and the other students too busy trying not to lose theirs, she settled down next to Harry looking across the lake. They sat in a comfortable silence until the large squid nearly splashed them. Harry had jumped out of the way and Hermione was clever enough not to have sat in a spot in which she could get splashed.

"So," she smiled, turning to him, "I heard Sirius' name got cleared."

Harry smiled widely, "He did! I got a letter from him just the other day."

"That's wonderful, Harry!" she said, giving him a hug. "I know how awful those muggles were to you. You'll be so much happier with Sirius, and you'll be living in the wizard world," she smiled. "I've been trying to convince my parents to move to the wizard world so we'll see how that goes."

Harry nodded with a smile in understand, knowing that Hermione was arguing with her parents about the educational value of living in a world that would teach her how to be a more "successful" witch.

"Harry! Hermione!" Ron exclaimed, running over them and nearly tripping over his footing. "You two are supposed to be my partners! That means helping me take care of this!" he said, holding out the squirming insect by the stinger.

"I don't know, Ron, it looked like you were handling it just fine," Hermione said, her voice strangely calm, but the noticeable twinkle in her eyes gave it away.

Ron dropped the insect with his mouth dangling open, surprised that Hermione had made a sarcastic joke. Harry just grinned and suddenly jumped up from surprise.

"Ron! You let the bug loose! It nearly went down my pants!" Harry said, muttering a charm that cast a bubble around the bug crawling up his jeans.

Hermione burst into laughter, followed by Ron who was desperately trying to hold it in. Harry just glared at them and set the bug down gently, watching it squirm inside the small bubble.

"Well, at least we know you'll pass the shield charms portion of the exams," Hermione said, still pink from laughing. "Now, Ron, I'm not sure about you."

"Hey! Harry and I have both passed our exams each year!" Ron said defensively.

Hermione rose her eyebrows, "Yes, but the first year you barely passed Transfiguration and Potions."

"I'll never pass Potions," Harry muttered. "Snape hates me."

"Harry, he's not allowed to just fail you," Hermione said, staring at him seriously.

"No, but he makes it much more difficult for me to pass," Harry said. "He gave me five parchments to do just the other night on Potions even though I'm not really taking an extra class, it's Occulmancy! He has no right!"

"Maybe it made it more believable to give you homework," Hermione shrugged. "If you want I'll help you with it."

Harry's anger slowly dissipated, "Really?"

She smiled, "Sure. I do agree with you. He's giving you more assignments than that of the advanced Potions class. Exams are tomorrow and once they're over with you won't have to take Potions again."

"WHAT?!" Ron gapped. "Why is he so lucky?"

"He's not…exactly," Hermione said with raised eyebrows and a half disapproving look, "Snape is only taking those who have passed his class with an average or higher."

"You failed Potions, Harry?"

Harry sighed heavily, "Yeah, but that's my only class. I mean, Snape deducts points for even grammatical errors and if I don't put enough detail into my essays. It's nearly impossible for me to pass. But at least I know the basics and now I don't have to deal with him."

"Maybe not in Potions, but you'll still have Occulmancy lessons," Hermione reminded him.

Harry's shoulders slumped with disappointment and Ron patted his back.

"Oh, class is over!" Hermione exclaimed, spotting the students dispersing and heading back to the castle.

"Yes! Dinner time!" Ron said jumping up from where he had sat down next to Harry.

"And afterwards we're going to go to the library to study for finals, all three of us," she emphasized.

Ron groaned, "Hermione, do you have to ruin the second to last dinner?"

"Ron! You're a Prefect for goodness sakes! You should be setting a good example, which means good grades! Besides, if you want to be with us next year and still have the ability to take points from Slytherins then I suggest you study hard!"

"All right, point taken," Ron muttered.

Hermione brightened up and smiled at him, "Great. Now, let's enjoy dinner before a nighttime of studying!"

"You two go ahead, I'm just going to sit out here a little longer," Harry said, looking up at them.

"You sure, Harry?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded, "Yeah, I just want to relax for a bit. I'll be in soon."

Hermione nodded at this and with a smile and a wave, headed toward the castle.

"We'll save you a seat," Ron said, as he followed Hermione to the front gates.

Harry watched them go and sighed, staring out at the lake and the sun that was beginning to drift low in the horizon. The truth was that he was trying to imagine being away from the Dursleys for the first time. And while that excited him, he wasn't sure how life would be. It was a drastic change for him.

But Sirius cares for me. And I know that it's said when you stay around someone long enough you begin to get on each other's nerves, but I don't think that will happen to me and Sirius. It did happen to Ron and Hermione when they had to spend a week together doing Prefect duties…

Harry smiled at the memory, remembering how at the beginning of the year they had come back from their fifth night working together and had been arguing so loud the Fat Lady had scolded them. He hoped that living in the wizard world wouldn't make it more difficult to have a normal life. He knew that it would be different using magic every day, but he was excited about that. It was the complete opposite of living with the Dursleys. He was just a little nervous about living with Sirius, and it wasn't that he didn't want to. The truth was that although he had seen Sirius throughout the past four years on a off (the most being at Christmas) he hadn't actually sat down many times to get to know him. They were family, in a way, but they had been apart so long it was like they were partially strangers too.

"Not going to dinner?"

Harry spun his around in surprise. He was expecting Ron or Hermione to be standing there looking at him expectantly and instead was greeted by the sight of his Godfather who looked much healthier and happier than he had before. His face had been shaved, his hair cut and combed neatly and he was wearing expensive robes that he had gotten for meetings with the Order. He looked like a completely different person.

"Sirius!" Harry exclaimed standing up and smiling at him. "What are you doing here?"

Sirius shrugged, his smile never wavering, "I decided to see if you needed anything before your big day tomorrow."

Harry smiled, "Hermione's having a study session held after dinner in the library. I'm sure we'll be fine."

Sirius laughed lightly, "I guess so. I hear she's quite the extraordinary student."

"Yeah, she is," Harry smiled. "Do you want to sit down?"

"Wish I could, but I've got to report back to Dumbledore soon. I just decided to pay you a visit first to see how you were doing," Sirius said.

"I'm fine," Harry said, finding it hard not to blurt out all his feelings to him.

Sirius nodded with a smile, but soon his expression turned more serious, "Are you sure you're ready to move in with me? I know it'll be a big change for you, and with being away from the only home you've really known…Well, if you feel uncomfortable at any time…"

"Sirius," Harry interrupted firmly, "I want to live with you."

Sirius was silent for a second but then a huge smile broke out on his face. He opened his arms widely in invitation.

"Come here."

Harry immediately entered the embrace, his smile lighting from the wonderful feeling of being with someone he cared about. Sirius kept him in a firm embrace for several minutes before finally letting go.

"Don't worry, I'm a little nervous too," he winked. "But you'll learn to love me."

Harry smiled in return, "I all ready do."

Sirius' expression softened as he gently ruffled his hair, "Come on, you don't want to miss your last dinner feast before the summer."

"We still have the end of the year feast tomorrow night after finals," Harry said as Sirius wrapped an arm around him.

They began walking toward the castle, Harry's worries about Voldemort and the next year temporarily pushed aside. He and Sirius talked about the house he had gotten and the neighborhood and even Quidditch as they entered the school. From a distance the sun was beginning to set, the glorious pinks, purples and reds mixed together, lighting up the sky. Nearby, a dark cloud drifted in the sky, consuming some of the luminous rays and leaving a shadow just overhead.

TO BE CONTINUED…

So was it better?? I hope so! Anyway, I'll get working on the next chapter. I'm going to have to change several things and make the chapter longer, but hopefully it won't take too long. -